4 Myths About Intuitive Eating
Intuitive Eating - We’ve all heard these terms thrown around before by health professionals, social media influencers, and possibly even Sally across the street. It’s one of those terms we’ve heard used in so many different ways that it’s easy to hear the words and think, “Oh yeah, that thing". But what is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive Eating is a framework of 10 principles that are meant to combine psychology and gentle nutrition to help your body. These principles can guide you back to trust your body so that you can enjoy eating again.
Sounds nice, but with all of the misinformation going around, how can this apply to you? Here are four common myths about Intuitive Eating you’ve probably heard before, and the truth to help you start trusting your body and enjoy eating again.
Myth 1: Intuitive Eating isn’t for athletes
You might sometimes think, “After a long/hard workout I have absolutely no appetite but know I still need to eat. Isn’t Intuitive Eating all about eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full? It must not apply to me…”
Wrong. The idea that Intuitive Eating is only about eating when you feel physically hungry is a common misconception. Thankfully, the truth is that your body has four voices of hunger, and feeling your stomach growling is just one of them!
Primal hunger - This is what you usually think about when someone mentions hunger. The typical physical hunger when you feel weak, your stomach grumbles, or when you know that if you don’t get a snack in the next five minutes being hangry is a definite possibility.
Taste hunger - Sometimes you get hungry for something just because you know it tastes good! Like when you’re at a park over the weekend and you smell the beautiful aroma of the local taco truck. It might be a weird time of the day and you’re not necessarily hungry, but if you’re craving a taco because of how delicious it is that’s totally normal and okay to honor that hunger cue and eat that taco.
Emotional hunger - As humans we naturally eat in response to both positive and less comfortable emotions. So if you have a big accomplishment that made your day it’s great to go get a treat to celebrate! On the flip side, it is completely normal to use food to comfort unpleasant emotions at times. Food just can’t be our only coping mechanism. One of the goals of Intuitive Eating is to identify other effective coping mechanisms for emotions besides food.
Practical hunger - This type of hunger is when you eat out of practicality. You might not be hungry or even craving food, but fueling throughout the day and honoring this type of hunger is KEY for athletes. Eating before, during, and after sport activities (even when you’re not hungry) will ensure that your body has what it needs to perform and thrive. You wouldn’t take a scenic canyon drive on an empty tank of gas, so why would you go exercise without giving your body the fuel it needs? Check out this blog post for more information on why fasted training is never a good idea.
Myth 2: Intuitive Eating is just the “hunger/fullness diet”
Intuitive Eating is so much more than eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. It’s about honoring your hunger and fuel your fullness. NOT stop when you’re full, but rather feel and recognize your fullness knowing that you still have the ability/permission to eat. Even if you’re eating out of practicality or just because the food is good, that’s okay. You didn’t mess up if you keep eating when you’re full.
Another underrated Intuitive Eating Principle is Principe #8: Respect Your Body. You don’t have to love your body, but respecting it gives you the recognition of what your body does. It’s your home for your life and training. Athletes are really good at disrespecting their bodies just to be the best at their sport, but is it really worth it if it causes health consequences later?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of trying to tackle respecting your body and honoring your hunger, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Baby steps are applauded and encouraged here! One recent study in female athletes found that self-compassion and intuitive eating go hand in hand, so wether you choose to start by honoring your hunger or respecting your body, you’ll be healing both aspects of your relationship with your body.
Myth 3: Intuitive Eating is a strategy for intentional weight loss
You’ve seen ads promising weight loss while embracing Intuitive Eating. What a great thing to have two in one, right? Think again.
Don’t be fooled by this marketing scheme. Intuitive Eating is anti-intentional weight loss. You might lose weight, you might gain weight, or you might stay the same.
To truly tune into your body, you need to put weight loss on the back burner.
If your weight changes that’s not necessarily a good or bad thing. Weight gain is not inherently good or bad either. When you haven’t been eating enough and finally give your body what it needs you may gain, maintain, or lose weight to get to a place where your body can comfortably thrive. But remember: health, recovery, and eating disorders don’t have a ‘look’. The physical appearance distracts from what’s important - restoring a healthy relationship with your body and what it needs.
Myth 4: A provider can promote Intuitive Eating and weight loss
Fun fact: When a provider receives their Intuitive Eating certification they are required to sign a contract at the end of the certification saying that they will NOT promote weight loss.
So if your provider claims to promote Intuitive Eating but is prescribing you any kind of weight loss plan - Please run! Find a new provider who will actually help you heal your relationship with food and your body.
If you still have questions and want to jump into understanding intuitive eating on a deeper level, reach out! Or click here to connect with a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
And always remember…
